Theophilus Nyame has handed in a formal transfer request to Asante Kotoko to force through a move away from the club after being relegated to the bench ahead of the new season, Goal understands.

The midfielder joined Kotoko from Sekondi Hasaacas last season and made 18 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal in the process as the club finished fifth, their worst position in the league within the last seven seasons.

However, following the Kumasi-based outfit’s poor run, caretaker coach Michael Osei has signed Heart of Lions box-to-box midfielder Isaac Quansah and handed former captain Michael Akuffo a new deal, limiting Nyame first-team opportunities in the pre-season games.

The midfielder is reported to be on the radar of newly promoted premier league side Elimina Sharks. The central region-based club have already recruited former Liberty Professionals goalkeeper Francis Arthur, Michael Oppong Aboagye, Marvin King, Saliu Babawo, Francis Arthur, Isaac Acheampong and Kingsley Adjei.

The Ghana Premier League was initially scheduled to kick off on December 18 but litigations among some clubs delayed the start of the season but recent reports suggest it will commence on February 4 after the disciplinary committee settled all cases.